Someone once asked me if I am bored on Shabbat because of all of the Biblical and Rabbinic restrictions we are given. I answered with the words my daughter tells me each Friday on the way to school. “Abba, I’m ready for my reset day tomorrow!”

Shabbat is not only a day of rest, but it is a sign of the covenant between us and the Divine. This week, we once again learn about the importance of Shabbat. The mitzvah begins with the word ach, meaning only. Often, we think important endeavors may supersede Shabbat, but this word comes to tell us that even the work of building the Mishkan, the tabernacle, should not be done.

Never push Shabbat away! We know that while we may not participate in active construction, even of a sacred sanctuary, we also know pikuach nefesh doche et hashabat, saving a life supersedes the Sabbat day. From this, we learn of the great holiness inherent in the Jewish soul.

Is Shabbat a restrictive day? Depends on your perspective. Is it a day where no emails are answered, no work is done, our bodies and souls are rejuvenated, and we have face to face connection over meals and in a sacred synagogue? To me, that is called shalom, peace, and oneg, joy.

A time to tell ourselves, this week we did our best, next week we will do better, but right now, let’s live in this moment of sanctity, face to face, soul to soul.